College of Architecture

Graduates and faculty of IIT College of Architecture have made significant contributions to the city of Chicago, the United States and the world. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe directed the IIT architecture program in the mid-20th Century. He became known as the father of modern architecture and he along with others have had an international influence on the field of architecture.

With a history of design excellence and technical expertise, an unmatched professional studio curriculum, and inspiring surroundings, IIT College of Architecture is one of the most respected by architectural firms nationwide.

Our faculty is comprised of award-winning architects and landscape architects who instill students with a deep understanding of design thinking, materials, and structural systems. The visiting faculty program attracts top-tier practitioners from around the world to teach for a semester or a year.

IIT students graduate not only knowing how to design and build, they also are prepared to lead. Their training includes finding new ways to address environmental and social imperatives challenging the world’s urban areas.

“IIT places emphasis on constructability. That’s highly appealing to me because I actually want to build my abstract designs,” says Carlos. “I am interested in a radical approach to architecture that remains pragmatic in that it’s constructible and functional. Some of the top firms in the world are creating icon buildings that may seem unimaginable to build; however they exist. I want to be a part of that process—making the impossible possible.”

Carlos says that it almost seems that the field of architecture choose him from an early age instead of it being the other way around. He knew about IIT College of Architecture through its association with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and now as a student, learns from many faculty who are practicing architects. He looks forward to obtaining real-world experience to help him develop professional expertise in urban and city planning, as well as in issues of equity and policy.

Carlos Roa

Architecture

Whatever their interests, IIT architecture students benefit from a program with expertise that focuses both upward to the sky and downward toward the earth.

Architecture Students Design "Barnsworth"

Read about IIT students who designed a new exhibition space for Mies' landmark Farnsworth House in their Design/Build Studio course.